Romancing Winter?
This must doubtless be hugely unpopular, for who is interested in contemplating afresh the gloomy face that Winter so often proffers the housebound souls longing for Spring? I did not intend to write about it, yet finding it somehow comforting when I was out in it, I tried chasing that down. After all, what's popularity? My favourite pieces frequently lack it anyway. Here's hoping this garners at least one comment to spare it the ignominy of none.
(sonnet # DXLII)
There's something half like solace though the grey
White region cloud masks day, with dull bleak light
Obscuring azure's wonted cheer; the sight
So drear, yet aptly decked with that array
Of barren silhouettes whose grim dismay
Besets the Winter scene 'til Spring requite
Death's mis'ry with new life, in its dim plight
Somehow invites or half consoles grief's sway.
What is it charms? I can't quite say. Is't those
Dear colours, muted softly ev'rywhere,
Half clothing: yellows, tans, snow's white, 'midst woe's
Grey navy, whisp'ring cheer? Or romance' flair
Of salmon pink, sometimes half seen? What 'stows
That gentle touch eludes, yet still is there.
13Feb12
D103b
Beautiful gentle and sweet , plus a generous tongue, what could I wish for more? Always a great joy to read you, thank you dear friend!
winter stands for hardships... spring for hope and faith... cross and Jesus!
You have written excellent Sonnets on Winter and this is great too.
i love the way you paint winter with such a gentle touch as to be almost imperceptible... delightfully woven like a dance of gentle snowflakes
Jenny this is a super sonnet depicting the pangs of winter- "barren silhouettes whose grim dismay......" loved this line - but Spring cannot be far behind....listen your work is a pleasure to read..I am always in awe of it. And I mean that as you know well!
Behind the muted shades in a winter , spring stays eternal . It awaits the subtlities to get stronger before the mirror starts singing the song of the spring . This piece is as creative as work of a master artist , it pokes the mind , stimulates the heart and steals the soul....
Ah, Jenny, you are so well loved on this site, you will see a dozen or more comments here erelong. If I am to be privileged to be the first, it is an honor for me. // This is a style I have not seen you use before, and you have used it well. I wish I could meet you. Even in your comments, you usually speak like an Elizabethan. Perhaps, like Patience Worth, you are a singer in the shadows, dispelling them with your bright talent. // To give you an example of what I mean, your intro, in lovely poetic prose, seduced me into believing that IT was the poem here, in a new style! Now, my foolishness revealed, my eyes scanned down, and saw that it is another sonnet, of which you are the consummate master. I liked your phrase "to spare it the ignominy of none"--your mind seems always in poetic gear. But back to the sonnet: you write sonnets well; but as always, it is the striking phrases, crackling with energy, bright with images, sonorous and meaningful, that makes this poem too a gem. Every line is well crafted and sounds good to speak aloud. I truly like the idea of Spring requiting "death's misery in its plight." Spring for me has always been my favorite season, though I love them all; my once good memory isn't as good as it once was, but quite a while back I posted a poem the title of which was "Seasons" if I recall correctly. About how I love all the seasons. I love Spring the most. The renewal of life, and love is in the air! To be in the air of Spring again and again! I'm digressing, though. This comment is about you and your poem here, which is another beautiful poem, from a beautiful poet. I'm a Trekie, and I have begun to tell the people I care about the old Vulcan blessing; and I say it to you, and wish it with all my heart: Live long, and prosper. // Bye now, my sweet Elizabethan poet friend. // --Michael. Monday-2-13-2012 2:50 PM PST
nice one. I am glad spring will be here soon.
Who could romance winter like you Jenny? Perfect...too many good lines to mention...Maggie :)